We simply cannot betray the trust of the service members who have performed with such courage and expertise in Afghanistan and Iraq.

the default rates are going down; at least that is my understanding.

I wonder if you could address the issue of fairness?

I was pleased that the Secretary understood the morale problem that had been created by the Defense Business Board.

Changes to the personnel compensation programs, including the retirement system, often strikes fear in the force.

I was disappointed that Secretary Panetta did not disavow the Defense Business Board proposal.

I was, however, very pleased at General Dempsey's statement before the House Armed Services Committee.

the price of military retirement, the price of military benefits, is really part of the cost of fighting a war

Is it fair that that person, who may have been deployed once and stays to retirement is eligible for a lifetime benefit, while an individual who may have multiple deployments in a combat theater does not stay 20 years, that person walks away with nothing more than the admiration of a grateful nation.

I have a very simple question to Secretary Panetta. In this time of austerity where we face massive budget cuts to the Department of Defense and potentially threatening cuts, if the sequester is exercised, can I count on your support to fund new initiatives aimed at preventing sexual assault in our Armed Forces?

The Arlington National Cemetery is a final resting place for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.